Is Composite Decking Slippery When Wet?

Winner: Trex

You won’t have that problem if you choose composite decking instead. The only thing you need to do with the product is to clean it periodically with some soap and water. That means you can spend more time enjoying the deck instead of taking care of it. This advantage applies in all environments and terrain options as well, so every homeowner can enjoy the ease of use. Composite decking vs. wood, which is better for your deck project?

I returned all the uncut boards to the lumber yard for credit. There are serious inherent design problems with the composite decking product. I am in the process of switching over to aluminum boards which are more expensive. As my father used to say, quality remains long after the price is forgotten. Don’t be fooled by the contractors on here saying it’s not what it used to be. New names every year and ground breaking technology every year.

Does Trex Or Timbertech Actually Honor Their Warranty?

We’ve seen recent Trex installation instructions that suggest applying paint to any of their composite decking will shorten or even eliminate the warranty. Composite decking made with high quality and style by our experienced .

Refer to the Product and Installation Guide for cleaning instructions. Because of the weight of the composite materials, you must have a stronger frame in place for your deck when compared to the requirements for natural wood.

And some products, particularly the hollow ones, make a noisy clatter when walked on. "It's just too 'plastic-y' for many people," says Marc Richmond, project manager for the Green Builder program in Austin, Texas. Sunlight will fade the color of a plastic deck board and eventually cause its surface to turn chalky. "A redwood-color deck can become too hot to walk on barefoot," says Cynthia Kravitz, vice president of Phoenix Recycled Plastics.

Even when wet, wood deck surfaces typically present less risk for slipping than composite deck boards -- unless they become dirty and neglected. This Old House general contractor Tom Silva has his own method of fastening nonwood deck boards — both solid and hollow — that achieves the same clean look. He secures each plank with dabs of marine-grade polyurethane adhesive placed wherever the decking crosses a joist . He randomly nails or screws the boards in place while the glue sets. "I was pleasantly surprised the first time I worked with this material," he says. "You don't have to worry about the splinters or dust you get with wood. Plus, you won't ever have to replace the boards."

Avoid Deck Rot With Flashing Tape

Add Sand To Your Deck Sealer Or Stain

Eventually, as sun and rain cause the wood to crack, splinter, and rot, boards will have to be torn up and replaced. To keep a wood deck looking its best takes time and money. Composite decking manufacturers have also found ways to offer more cost-competitive options, such as Trex’s new lower-cost board, to fit a wider range of budgets. Now, it’s possible for a homeowner or commercial contractor to build with composite decking materials and realize the same long-term benefits without breaking the bank. Composite decking is one of the most durable decking materials on the market.

• The modern composite decking manufacturing process helps the boards to become mostly impermeable to water.
• That’s why you’ll find this deck option as a top choice in communities like Seattle where the wet weather is an almost constant feature of life throughout the year.
• You’ll want to make sure your contractor is not cutting corners on this step by using natural wood with a water-resistant stain.
• This advantage also means that your deck will fight off mold and mildew better than natural wood products.
• You can then remove the green stuff right away with a cleaning solution designed for that exact purpose.

The process is exactly the same as it would be for a standard wood product. Once you have the frame built and attached to the primary structure, you just start laying the boards down horizontally, vertically, or diagonally based on your overall preference. While early composite decks were very sensitive to temperature and did get notoriously hot, any new composite decking will be much more resistant to heat. High-quality modern composite boards don't become hotter than traditional wooden deck boards. Composite decking has been around since the early ’90s.

While composite decking will save you time, energy and money in the long-run, there is no such thing as a truly no-maintenance decking material. Any outdoor living space will require occasional cleaning of dirt and debris. Learn more about deck maintenance here, and discover some additional benefits of composite decking versus wood to keep in consideration when planning your next deck build. The most common question we encounter on Decks.com is, "What is the best composite decking material?" Unfortunately, there isn't a simple answer. There are multiple brands to choose from, with various categories of products in a wide range of prices. To help you narrow down your choices, there are several considerations to take into account.

Hot coals or ignited gas too close to the surface will create similar results. You’ll want to look at how the sun shines on this material at your installation point as well. If the rays have a focus point through a window, then there is a chance that a hot day could melt it as well. When you start shopping for composite decking materials, then you will find that there is a variety of grades available from which to choose.